Dan the Person

I am unsure of what I want to major in, however I do want to take part in the pre-med program. I am listed as a tentative biology major and it seems that I am being funneled in that direction. I don't particularly like the course registration method that Bucknell uses.


Anyways, I have been assigned Biology 205 Introduction into Molecules and Cells, Chemistry 211 Organic Chemistry, and Math 201 Calculus 1. All part of the Bachelor of Science degree program.

This was somewhat intimidating as I have not taken AP science and math courses in HS (yet I have done well). I am unsure of whether or not to go for the BS because this is a somewhat intimidating courseload.

I feel that I will be able to handle the courses (I will be reviewing pre Calc and studying Calculus independently over the summer). But in the chance that I'm wrong... would this severely derail me from the med-school path? Could I switch out of courses if I was seriously struggling?

I know this is somewhat vague and circumstantial, but I really need some assurance from someone affiliated in ANY way with Bucknell. I've been in email contact with the head of the biology department who has provided me a plethora of information, but little reassurance.
Any insights?

mhmm

You take Chem 211 whether you are going to be a BS or BA in Bio. All medical schools require it. You dont need to take it your first year. You can actually take General Chem and then take 211 your sophomore year if you dont feel upto speed in Chem.

ilmor

I was also intimidated prior to entering my freshman year by Math 202 and Physics 201(I got a 2 on the AP Physics exam). But I studied hard and, most importantly, went to office hours a lot (professors are extremely helpful) and ended up with A- in both classes. I wouldn't worry too much as long as you apply yourself and don't party your life away like some freshman do. If you don't do well on your first exams, don't freak out. It's always difficult to gauge what kind of problems the professor will ask on the first exam and there's always the pressure of taking your first college exam.

BucknellBubbly

I'm not very helpful when it comes to math and science stuff (they tried to place me in accelerated calculus because I got a 3 on my Calc I/II AP and I left it for a political science course), but I can tell you that in my experience it is relatively doable to switch into another class if you find the one you have been placed in is outside your level. I was placed into 6th or 7th semester French my freshman year, went to the class for about a week, and decided/realized that it was not the right class for me, so I dropped down a level and found myself challenged but not out of my league. All of the professors were very cool about it.

I know it's not always as easy to switch lab sciences because the numbers are more important there, so I would recommend emailing the professors of the class, if you know their names, and asking for the syllabus for the class you're registered for. If you give them a rundown of your previous experience in the subject, many of them will be glad to help you determine if you're in the right level.

swissmiss3

^ Thanks for the news!
I'm still trying to find enough money to attend, but am hoping that it will work out. I am SO excited to be a Bucknellian!!

lilcarter

hey guys,
i'm gonna be a computer science & engineering major and i just selected my courses...i chose to be considered for PHYS211E... i have no problem with physics but I don't wanna be forced to stay in my room and study all the time..have I made a bad decision?